Ahead of the annual summit, PM Modi will host the Russian President for an intimate dinner to discuss key bilateral ties and global geopolitical issues away from formal proceedings.
December 4, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to host a private, one-on-one dinner for Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly after his arrival in New Delhi on Thursday evening. The intimate setting at the Prime Minister’s official residence provides a crucial opportunity for the two leaders to discuss key bilateral and global issues away from the formal public glare of the annual summit.
Putin is arriving for a state visit that will last just over 24 hours—his first trip to India since December 2021. The private dinner is a reciprocal gesture, following a similar event hosted by Putin for PM Modi in Moscow last year.
High-Level Summit Agenda
The main engagements for the 23rd annual India-Russia Summit are scheduled for Friday, December 5. The day will begin with a ceremonial welcome and tri-services guard of honour for President Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a visit to Raj Ghat.
The core talks will be held at Hyderabad House, comprising both a restricted format between the leaders and an expanded session with their delegations.
Key focus areas for the bilateral discussions include:
- Defence Cooperation: The leaders will review progress on major military equipment supplies, including the S-400 air defence system and potential discussions on the Su-57 combat jet.
- Strategic Partnership: Discussions are expected to feature cooperation in civil nuclear energy (including small modular reactors), space, and security.
- Global Issues: PM Modi is expected to reiterate India’s position calling for an early end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
Bridging the Trade Deficit
A significant focus of the visit is on trade and economic cooperation. In a major push to diversify ties, the two leaders will participate in an India-Russia Business Forum jointly organized by FICCI and Roscongress at Bharat Mandapam.
Bilateral trade currently stands at approximately $68 billion, but it is heavily skewed by Indian imports of Russian oil, leaving Indian exports at less than $5 billion. Addressing this massive trade imbalance is a priority, with officials emphasizing the need to expand Indian access to the Russian market in sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and engineering goods.
Agreements are expected to be finalized on several fronts, including:
- Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS): Ratified by the Russian Parliament this week, this defense pact simplifies mutual visits and logistical support for military personnel, warships, and aircraft.
- Labour Mobility Agreement: A deal to enable Indian skilled and semi-skilled professionals to work in Russia’s construction, healthcare, and hospitality sectors.
- Program for the Development of Strategic Areas of Russian-Indian Economic Cooperation until 2030.
Putin’s visit will conclude on Friday evening after he participates in the formal launch of the Indian channel of Russian state broadcaster RT and a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu.